Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
PHILIPPINE SEA — On June 26, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) received the 2024 Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award in recognition of the crew’s exceptional performance and battle readiness throughout the year. The Carl Vinson’s crew was cited for their indomitable spirit, superior performance, and consistently high standards of readiness in the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A telecom fraud suspect is escorted by Chinese police officers at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s public security organs have helped facilitate the nation’s high-quality development by resolutely safeguarding public safety during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a senior Chinese public security official said on Wednesday.
“China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world,” Qi Yanjun, vice minister of public security, said at a press conference on public security during the 2021-2025 period.
“China has maintained one of the lowest incidence rates of fatal criminal cases, the lowest rate of criminal offenses, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives in the world,” Qi noted.
World’s safest country
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, public security authorities have focused on safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public, continuously intensifying efforts to combat criminal offenses, leading to a steady decline in the overall number of criminal cases nationwide, senior police officer Jiang Guoli said at the press conference.
China has consistently ranked among the countries with the lowest homicide rates globally, with a rate of 0.44 per 100,000 people in 2024, said Jiang, who is the political commissar of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) criminal investigation bureau.
China has maintained a hard stance on gang-related crime. Chinese police have dismantled over 590 mafia-style organizations and over 8,900 other criminal gangs to date during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, according to Jiang.
More than 105,000 gang-related criminal cases have been solved nationwide since 2021, he said, stressing that law enforcement agencies have maintained a zero-tolerance policy on organized crime — particularly for complex, high-profile cases.
He noted that law enforcement authorities have also focused on the root causes of organized crime, utilizing long-term crime prevention and social governance mechanisms.
“By disrupting the cycle in which disorder fosters crime and crime evolves into organized gangs, authorities aim to eliminate the conditions that allow such groups to thrive,” Jiang said.
In the field of transportation, the number of major traffic accidents resulting in three or more deaths during the 14th Five-Year Plan period declined significantly — 34 percent — compared to the 2016-2020 period, Qi said.
He highlighted that public security organs across the country have since 2021 intensified their identification and rectification of safety loopholes in sectors such as road traffic, railways and civil aviation, aiming to protect the people’s safety and property to the greatest possible extent.
Telecom fraud crackdowns
China launched harsh crackdowns on telecom and online fraud during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, effectively protecting the people’s lawful interests.
Chinese police resolved 1.739 million such cases and arrested 366,000 related individuals, including 3,442 major financiers and core members of criminal groups, Jiang said.
Police and relevant government departments intercepted 12.41 billion scam calls and 10.93 billion fraudulent text messages over the past five years, he noted.
He said that during the same period, Chinese police deepened law enforcement cooperation with their international counterparts, dispatching work groups to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia to boost joint operations targeting telecom fraud.
“These efforts led to the dismantling of over 2,000 overseas fraud centers and the capture of more than 80,000 individuals,” he added.
Enhancing autonomous driving regulation
Responding to a question on autonomous driving, Wang Qiang, director of the MPS traffic management bureau, said that China will tighten its regulation and management of intelligent driving, as the intelligent driving systems currently installed in vehicles have not yet achieved true autonomous driving.
“The driver remains the ultimate party responsible for operating the vehicle,” Wang said.
He stressed that if a driver takes their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road while the vehicle is in motion, they pose a serious risk to traffic safety and their actions could result in civil liability, administrative penalties and criminal prosecution.
To strengthen the regulation and management of intelligent driving, police will support the refining of laws and regulations to clarify manual control in vehicle autonomy from Level 0, which indicates no driving automation, to Level 2, which indicates partial driving automation, Wang said.
China will also encourage vehicle manufacturers to continuously improve the reliability of assisted driving systems, and to establish relevant safety technology standards, he added.
Source: New Zealand Government
Tāwhaki Joint Venture’s crucial role in the Government’s drive to grow our space and advanced aviation sectors has received a $5.85 million boost, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today.
“These are rapidly growing sectors, with space alone growing 53 percent in the five years to 2024, contributing $2.47 billion to the economy in 2023-24,” Ms Collins says.
“The Government sees space and advanced aviation as having huge economic potential, and that’s why we’re working towards delivering a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of this year, as signalled less than a year ago.
“The first step towards this was Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre being allocated permanent Special Use Airspace – essentially a test flight area that gives advanced aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies.
“Already companies such as Kea Aerospace, Syos and Dawn Aerospace are using Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre for test flights,” Ms Collins says.
“The Crown’s $5.85 million in operational funding over the next three years will support the Tāwhaki Joint Venture to grow its role as a national aerospace centre and innovation hub.
“This funding will help it scale up aerospace operations, attract new customers, and strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global advanced aviation sector.”
Tāwhaki was established in 2021 by the Crown and two Rūnanga, Te Taumutu and Wairewa, and has established key infrastructure at Canterbury’s Kaitorete Spit, including a sealed runway and hangar.
“The operational funding takes the Crown investment in Tāwhaki to more than $35 million, with this latest phase aimed at ensuring the venture continues to grow, attract commercial operators and deliver long-term value for the region and the country.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing today to consider Mr. Richard Fordyce to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation. During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville and Mr. Fordyce discussed the Farm Board Act and Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act—two pieces of legislation Sen. Tuberville introduced today to help Alabama farmers and livestock producers. Sen. Tuberville and Mr. Fordyce also discussed the need to increase guaranteed loan limits to ease the burden on our poultry producers and problems Alabama continues to face with feral swine.
Excerpts from the interview can be found below and the full interview can be viewed on YouTube or Rumble.
ON ADDING A PRODUCER FOR LIVESTOCK AND CROPS TO FCIC:
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Fordyce for being here. I grew up close to a town called Fordyce in Arkansas, home of a famous football coach years ago, Mr. Bear Bryant.
Thanks for wanting to do this again in another fashion. Thanks for your service because it is awfully hard. […] First of all, I wanna know if you’ll help me support these bills. I just put two new bills, Ag bills, on the floor today. […] The first addresses the Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors. There are four seats for producers, and we want one of those seats to be for a producer of both livestock and crops to provide a different perspective for various new livestock crops insurance products RMA (Risk Management Agency) is implementing. That’s my first one. Does that sound pretty good?”
FORDYCE: “Yes, Senator. It actually does. It sounds like it makes some sense. […]”
TUBERVILLE: “Now we’re from Alabama, and we can make some sense now. OK?”
[…]
FORDYCE: “So, I’m not backpedaling, Senator, but I think what I would need to do is understand exactly what the makeup is of the Federal Crop Insurance Board, but it sounds like a good idea to me.”
ON CONDUCTING AN RMA STUDY FOR OILSEED:
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you. The second bill would authorize a study for double and rotational cropping of winter canola in the Mid-South region. This would gather data as farmers in North Alabama and Tennessee are starting to grow winter canola for synthetic aviation fuel and diesel fuel. All these bills get complex. […]”
FORDYCE: “I’m sure that is complex, but I am aware of the winter canola effort. And I would say that I would applaud the RMA for being responsive and having the ability to, you know, to evolve as things change. So, I would think that they would take a look at what kind of options might be available.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. And as we all know, our farmers are in bad trouble. I have a lot of friends that are huge farmers, and they don’t know whether they’re gonna make it through the year, much less through this crop. […]”
ON RAISING GUARANTEED LOAN LIMITS:
TUBERVILLE: “So, access to credit is becoming harder and harder. This year was really tough. We had to come up with some subsidies for some of the farmers to get them through this past winter to get another crop. Poultry producers are facing huge challenges, steep cost of poultry houses. $3.5 million for four houses. Can you discuss the importance of increasing our guaranteed loan limits to $3.5 million because of that?”
FORDYCE: “Well, I was serving as the Administrator for the Farm Service Agency the last time the loan limits were raised. And I think it was welcomed certainly by the agency, and it was welcomed by the producers that the farm loan programs serve. And if that were the intent of Congress to raise those loan limits, I think that would be appropriate given the cost of things and the entry level costs of things.”
ON FERAL SWINE ERADICATION PROGRAM:
TUBERVILLE: “It’s going to sky high. It’s not getting any cheaper. One quick question: feral swine. We got huge problems in our state, and I know in other states. In the Big Beautiful Bill, we had $105 million for the feral swine eradication program. What’s your stance on the eradication program? You think we’re making progress?”
FORDYCE: “That would be tough for me to say. We do have those in Missouri as well.”
TUBERVILLE: “Y’all have hogs?!”
FORDYCE: “We have, yeah. We have feral swine. We have wild hogs in Missouri. […] Well, in Missouri, they’ve stopped the ability for folks to hunt them because the idea was that if they’re hunting them, then there has to continue to be a supply of them, and somehow, they just keep showing up. So, I don’t know, I guess, it was, maybe, is one way of looking at it.”
TUBERVILLE: “Well, just let them know that us and Alabama will send you some if you need them. Because we got a way over abundance. And we’re gonna send them to Senator Grassley in Iowa. He loves hogs. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced two pieces of legislation—the Farm Board Act and the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act—to improve opportunities and increase market access for Alabama’s agriculture community. More information about both bills can be found below.
“Our farmers, foresters, and livestock producers shoulder an enormous burden of keeping America’s food secure,” said Senator Tuberville. “They need to be able to make a living off the land, and they need to have a FCIC Board of Directors that fully reflects their needs. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that strengthens representation on the FCIC Board, and another piece of legislation that would help solidify a new revenue opportunity for our farmers while also addressing the growing need for renewable diesels and synthetic aviation fuels. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I’ll continue fighting to secure opportunities for our ag producers as they feed, fuel, and clothe our country.”
“I commend Coach on each piece of legislation,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “The Farm Board Act will ensure representation for production agriculture to the FCIC Board of Directors while the Mid-South Oil Seed Bill will help pave the way for another alternative crop for producers to consider growing based on the demand for renewable fuel. I look forward to Coach getting each bill to the finish line.”
“We appreciate Coach’s continued support of Alabama farmers and his steadfast dedication to supporting innovation while managing risk by increasing availability and oversight of crop insurance programs,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “With more offerings than ever for livestock producers, it is important these farmers have representation on the FCIC Board. Additionally, as farmers are looking at alternative crops to supplement their income, the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act will help to make sure they have the appropriate risk management tools available.”
ABOUT THE FARM BOARD ACT:
The Farm Board Act would require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board of Directors to designate one of the four producers on the ten-member board as an individual that produces both livestock and crops. The FCIC is a government owned corporation that finances the Federal Crop Insurance Program’s (FCIP) operations. Making this addition would improve perspective and decisions regarding the newer livestock related crop insurance products that benefit all areas of Alabama’s agriculture industry. The designated producer seat would not start immediately, but when Board members begin to cycle off on May 1, 2027.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), Alabama Department of Ag & Industries, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association are all supportive of Senator Tuberville’s legislation. More information about the Farm Board Act can be found here.
ABOUT THE MID-SOUTH OILSEED DOUBLE CROPPING STUDY ACT:
This bill requests a study from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) on winter oilseed crops, canola, and rapeseed (which is a type of canola) for the Mid-South region—Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Alabama producers are starting to grow canola as a second crop—following soybeans—and the crop can be used to produce Synthetic Aviation Fuel (SAF), which creates an additional market for our producers. This also enables Alabama farmers to expand revenue opportunities during the winter months and helps reduce nutrient losses in the soil. For farmers to take advantage of opportunities in renewable diesel and SAF, they need the assurance that crop insurance—such as Catastrophic Risk Protection, Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, or Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion—will be eligible in their counties for these crops and practices. To address crop insurance gaps that may exist, RMA and FCIC need to gather data on the feasibility of producing winter oilseed as a double and rotational crop in the Mid-South region.
The diversification of our energy markets by adding new, cost-effective, and sustainable options is necessary. Renewable domestic diesel capacity is slated for aggressive growth with the potential to double by 2030. Additionally, the 106-billion-gallon global commercial jet fuel market is projected to grow to over 230 billion gallons by 2050. The end goal is to get a study now, then down the road have double cropped canola and rapeseed be covered by crop insurance.
U.S. Canola Association, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), and the Alabama Department of Ag & Industries are all supportive of Senator Tuberville’s legislation. More information about the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act can be found here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Working meeting of Vitaly Savelyev with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov
For many years of fruitful cooperation and significant contribution to strengthening the socio-economic potential of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov awarded Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev with the Order of Friendship (“Duslyk”).
The Deputy Prime Minister noted the significant dynamics of the main economic indicators of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2024, as well as the systematic development of the transport complex of the subject.
The total number of passengers served at all airports of the republic in 2024 amounted to more than 6 million people (Kazan International Airport – 5.3 million, other airports – 0.7 million).
In 2024, 8.7 million passengers were transported by rail. The volume of transported cargo in 2024 remained generally at the 2023 level and amounted to 16.4 million tons.
As part of the program for the development of unmanned cargo transport, 18 unmanned KamAZ trucks are being used on the M-11 and Central Ring Road highways.
In turn, in the territory of Innopolis, as part of the development of unmanned transport technologies, an experimental legal regime is in effect for Yandex unmanned taxis.
“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of Russia and the Federal Government for their systematic support of our initiatives. Tatarstan is a region with unique tourism and transport-logistics potential, and its development requires comprehensive infrastructure development. We pay special attention to air traffic: the modernization of the Kazan airport, including the construction of a new terminal, will not only increase capacity, but will also give impetus to the economy and tourism development. Water transport is no less important. The length of Tatarstan’s inland waterways exceeds 1,000 km. The main rivers – the Volga, Kama and Vyatka – have the status of water bodies of federal significance. We are implementing projects to update the fleet, including the construction of modern high-speed passenger hydrofoils “Meteor-2020″. This will create a modern, efficient transport system that meets the challenges of the time,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.
“The Republic of Tatarstan has traditionally been one of the leaders in the development of transport infrastructure in the country. The regional leadership and personally Rustam Minnikhanov are consistently working in this direction. According to the results of 2024, growth is observed in all main areas: air transportation, rail transportation, and water transportation. Today, we visited the Kazan Aviation Plant named after Gorbunov, a strategic enterprise for the aviation industry, which produces and maintains the Tu-214 airliner. A number of airlines are interested in purchasing this aircraft. It is important to note that Tatarstan enterprises are participating in the implementation of transport megaprojects. For the construction of the Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed highway, Natsproektstroy will purchase more than 400 units of special equipment from KAMAZ,” said Vitaly Savelyev.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source:
24 July 2025
The new Adelaide University is set to host its first ever Open Days, offering future students and their families a glimpse into the transformative new institution ahead of its official opening in 2026.
About 17,000 attendees are expected to visit city, metropolitan and regional campuses across July and August to discover degrees, meet future lecturers, explore world-class teaching and research facilities, and get a taste of campus life.
The new university – built on the collective expertise, strengths and achievements of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia – will commence its first year of operations as a world top 100 university and member of Australia’s prestigious and research-intensive Group of Eight (Go8).
The city Open Day will take place on Sunday 27 July, with around 15,000 people expected to immerse themselves in activities and information as they explore the vibrant city campuses ahead of domestic student applications opening on 4 August.
The heart of the action will be in the east, at what’s set to become the Adelaide City East Campus (the University of Adelaide and UniSA’s city east campuses with a temporary Adelaide University makeover) including focused study area hubs, live music, fun activities and competitions with prizes to be won, surrounded by an abundance of food options.
Future students can join talks from and panel discussions with academics and hear from current students and industry leaders. Criminology crime walks, virtual reality demonstrations, and co-captaining a replica commercial aircraft are some of the activities expected to excite senses.
A dedicated First Nations hub will showcase Adelaide University’s commitment to Aboriginal education as well as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway, and a Welcome Lounge where visitors can meet with Elders.
Adelaide City West Campus will be a place to discover more, including study hubs for fine art, design and architecture, and tours of world-class health facilities as well as our future focused on-campus museum, MOD. and the South Australian School of Art (SASA) Gallery.
Visitors can plan ahead and create their own personalised digital itinerary. A fleet of e-scooters will be available for use free of charge on the day, helping visitors travel between the East and West campuses.
“This first Open Day is an opportunity for our future students to experience what makes the new Adelaide University so distinct and exciting and how it will deliver Australia’s most accessible, contemporary and future-focused learning,” say Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd, co-Vice Chancellors, Adelaide University.
“We want to give visitors a taste of the new Adelaide University culture and on-campus experience, and we’re delighted with how our staff and student volunteers have rallied together to set that scene and convey the energy of campus life.
“Over the last two years the foundation institutions have co-designed Australia’s newest cutting-edge curriculum with a model that incorporates industry informed face-to-face learning, expanded work integrated and practical learning opportunities and a sector-leading digital learning platform.
“Adelaide University will empower students with a world-class education and nurture local talent and so they can follow their dreams. We can’t wait to give future students an up close and personal insight into our new university.”
The metropolitan and regional campus Open Days will take place in August, allowing future students to get all the information they need to start planning their future.
Magill Open Day on 13 August will allow visitors to explore the lush parklands and industry standard facilities at Magill Campus, and discover where degrees in teaching and education, arts, humanities and social sciences, psychology and social work, and creative, media and communication can take them.
Roseworthy Open Day on 17 August will showcase the animal-focused campus with tours of the vet teaching hospital, equine centre and working farm.
Mawson Lakes Open Day on 17 August will be a hub for STEM and education degrees, with exceptional teaching and research facilities including virtual learning environments and robotics laboratories ready to experience.
Mount Gambier Open Day will take place on 3 August and Whyalla on 31 August, showcasing local study options, modern facilities and expert educators.
For more information on Adelaide University’s Open Days and to build your own itinerary visit the website: adelaideuni.edu.au/open-day
Ends
Further enquiries
Adelaide University
Melissa Keogh: Tel: +61 403 659 154 Email: melissa.keogh@unisa.edu.au
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Today, the Prime Minister will welcome nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins.
Today, the Prime Minister will welcome nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins, which will create over 2,200 British jobs across the country as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK and British companies secure new business opportunities in India. These deals will drive jobs in high-growth sectors like aerospace, technology and advanced manufacturing – supporting engineers, technicians and supply chain workers, in every corner of the UK.
It comes as the Prime Minister is set to meet the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, today for the signing of the landmark UK-India trade deal. From Coventry to Carlisle, new analysis shows communities across every region of the UK will benefit from its £4.8 billion increase to UK GDP each year.
Thanks to the deal, British workers will enjoy a collective uplift in wages of £2.2 billion each year and could also see cheaper prices and more choice on clothes, shoes, and food products.
The UK already imports £11 billion in goods from India, but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper to buy their best products. For businesses, this could mean potential savings when importing components and materials used in areas such as advanced manufacturing or luxury and consumer goods.
Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain. It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.
We’re putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Brits and helping families with the cost of living, and we’re determined to go further and faster to grow the economy and raise living standards across the UK.
India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15% to 3% which means British companies selling products to India from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices will find it easier to sell to the Indian market.
Whisky producers will benefit from tariffs slashed in half, reduced immediately from 150% to 75% and then dropped even further to 40% over the next ten years – giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market.
The billions brought to our economy from the trade deal signed today will reach all regions and nations of the UK so working people in every community can feel the benefits.
The almost £6 billion in new investment and export wins announced today will deliver thousands of jobs and shows the strength of our partnership with India as we ensure the UK is the best place in the world to invest and do business.
This government is proving time and again that we can deliver on our mission to grow the economy, put more money in pockets and boost living standards under our Plan for Change.
The two Prime Ministers have also signed a renewed Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, which will see closer collaboration on defence, education, climate, technology and innovation. This comes exactly one year since the countries signed the landmark UK-India Technology Security Initiative, which sees joint work on telecoms security and unlocking investment across emerging technologies – telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/bio tech, advanced materials and semiconductors.
The UK and India have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling corruption, serious fraud, organised crime, and irregular migration through enhanced intelligence sharing and operational collaboration. This includes committing to finalising a groundbreaking new criminal records sharing agreement, facilitating the exchange of criminal records to support criminal proceedings, maintain accurate watchlists and enable the enforcement of travel bans. These measures represent a significant step forward in joint efforts to combat organised immigration crime.
Aligned with the UK’s recent Industrial and Trade Strategies, the deal will support the sectors which drive the most growth for the economy. The UK’s large and varied manufacturing sectors will benefit from tariffs cut on aerospace (as high as 11% reduced to 0%), automotives (up to 110% down to 10% under a quota) and electrical machinery (from up to 22% down to either 0% of a 50% reduction).
A reduction in tariffs, combined with a reduction in regulatory barriers to trade between the UK and India are estimated to:
Increase UK exports to India by nearly 60% in the long run – this is equivalent to an additional £15.7 billion of UK exports to India when applied to projections of future trade in 2040.
Increase bilateral trade by nearly 39% in the long run, equivalent to £25.5 billion a year, when compared to 2040 projected levels of trade in the absence of an agreement
The clean energy industry will have brand new, unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market as the country makes the switch to renewable energy and continues to see growing energy demand.
For financial and professional business services, locked in access will offer certainty to expand in India’s growing market and measures such as binding India’s foreign investment cap for the insurance sector, ensuring UK financial services companies are treated on an equal footing with domestic suppliers.
Meanwhile, 26 British companies have secured new business in India. Airbus & Rolls-Royce will soon begin delivering Airbus aircraft – with over half powered by Rolls-Royce engines – to major Indian airlines as part of around £5 billion worth of contracts recently agreed. These orders will help sustain hundreds of jobs across their respective sites in Filton, Broughton and Derby.
18 firms have confirmed new investment including Zerowatt Energy, AI powered energy intelligence platform is setting up its Global HQ in Leicester. The firm will invest £10m and create 50 new jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh and London over the next three years.
Other UK and Indian businesses who have confirmed almost £6 billion in new investments and export deals today creating over 2,200 jobs across the UK includes:
India is an important market for our business, with over 90 years of partnership with Indian industry and the Indian Government. We welcome the provisions in this Free Trade Agreement, including those that bring closer alignment with international standards for trade in civil aerospace. These agreements will benefit Rolls-Royce and our customers, paving the way for future aerospace growth in India.
This agreement marks a great moment for both Scotch and Scotland, and we’ll be raising a glass of Johnnie Walker to all those who have worked so hard to get it secured.
The signing of this agreement is a clear signal of the UK’s continuing commitment to free and fair trade. It will open a new era for our businesses and boost investment between two of the world’s largest economies.
Currently around 16,000 UK companies are trading goods with Indian companies, and there is high interest in our Chamber Network to grow that. This deal will create new opportunities in the transport, travel, creative and business support sectors alongside traditional strengths in finance and professional services.
Signature of the UK-India FTA is a sign of hope in challenging times for the spirits industry. India is the world’s biggest whisky market by volume and greater access will be an eventual game changer for the export of our Scotch whisky brands, such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s.
The deal will support long term investment and jobs in our distilleries in Speyside and our bottling plant at Kilmalid and help deliver growth in both Scotland and India over the next decade. Let’s hope that both governments will move quickly to ratification so business can get to work implementing the deal!
Source: United Nations 2-b
Since January, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), recorded over 4,000 individuals deliberately killed – a 24 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
“The capital city was for all intents and purposes paralysed by gangs and isolated due to the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights into the international airport,” Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for the Americas at the department of political affairs (DPPA), told ambassadors in the Security Council on Wednesday.
Having visited the country recently, he warned that, gangs have only “strengthened their foothold”, which now affects all communes of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, “pushing the situation closer to the brink.”
He called on the international community to act decisively and urgently or the “total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario”.
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), echoed that warning.
“As gang control expands, the state’s capacity to govern is rapidly shrinking, with social, economic and security implications,” she told ambassadors, briefing remotely from Vienna.
“This erosion of state legitimacy has cascading effects,” she said, with legal commerce becoming paralysed as gangs control major trade routes, such conditions worsening “already dire levels of food insecurity and humanitarian need,” she added.
Amidst increasing public frustration with the limited protection capacity of the state, “vigilante” or self-defence groups are now gaining in popular appeal.
Although some are motivated by the urgent need to protect their communities, many operate outside existing legal frameworks, in some cases, engaging in extrajudicial actions and colluding with gangs.
The rise of these actors is pushing demand for guns and military-grade weapons, “fuelling illicit arms markets and raising the risk of licit weapons being diverted to criminal elements,” Ms. Waly said.
Meanwhile, the broader deterioration of the security and economic situation in the capital and the rest of the country continues to fuel a sharper escalation in human rights violations.
Despite persistent under-reporting of sexual violence due to fear of reprisals, social stigma and lack of trust in institutions, BINUH reported an increase in sexual violence committed by gangs in the past three months.
In May, Haitian police raided a medical facility in Pétion-Ville suspected of being involved in illicit organ trade, as allegations of trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal are now arising.
As the situation in Haiti remains desperate, “there is not a moment to lose,” Mr. Jenča urged.
Source: United States Airforce
PACAF participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a unique platform that integrates U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhances interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements.
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —
U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a bilateral training conducted across multiple locations in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to strengthen partnerships and support the Philippine Air Force’s modernization efforts, promoting regional and global stability.
Established in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Cope Thunder 25-2 also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II squadron has deployed to the Philippines.
“It’s obvious that this isn’t a relationship that’s simply on paper,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, 421st Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’ve been integrating with them for a long time, and their mentality and approach to operations is very similar to ours.”
Subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise enabled U.S. and Philippine Airmen in similar career fields to share best practices and effective techniques aimed at improving day-to-day operations for both forces. These exchanges included maintenance, firefighting, airfield operations, electromagnetic warfare and basic fighter manoeuvres with U.S. and Philippine pilots flying side by side.
“We worked closely with the PAF pilots, and it was clear they are professional and highly capable aviators that employ their weapon systems with skill and precision,” said Capt. Tobey Fisher, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A instructor pilot. “Additionally, this exercise afforded the 421st MGFE the opportunity to operate at a remote airfield with minimal support.”
The F-35A maintenance team supported Cope Thunder 25-2 with a lean, agile team, operating with roughly one-third of the personnel they typically have at their home station.
“It’s really cool to see such a small team come here and execute the mission,” said Maj. Clinton Bialcak, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron commander, referring to executing the F-35 maintenance mission. “I think everyone in the region, in the world and in the Department of Defense sees that we can do it and they can rely on us.”
The U.S. Air Force’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with regional allies and partners.
Source: United States Navy
ADRIATIC SEA – The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), all assigned to Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), integrated their force with Italian Navy frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598) beginning July 20, 2025.
Source: US Whitehouse
RESTORING AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL POWER: Japan will invest $550 billion directed by the United States to rebuild and expand core American industries.
ENSURING BALANCED TRADE THROUGH A PREDICTABLE TARIFF FRAMEWORK: As part of this agreement, imports from Japan will be subject to a baseline 15% tariff rate.
SECURING INCREASED MARKET ACCESS FOR AMERICAN PRODUCERS: For decades, U.S. companies have faced barriers when seeking access to Japan’s market. This agreement delivers breakthrough openings across key sectors:
A GENERATIONAL SHIFT IN U.S.-JAPAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS: This agreement is not merely a trade deal—it is a strategic realignment of the U.S.-Japan economic relationship delivering for the American people.
SECURING LONG-TERM ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP: This agreement reflects the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Japan, and it advances the mutual interests of both nations.
Source: NASA
NASA engineers are exploring how the technology used in existing cellphone networks could support the next generation of aviation.
In April and May, researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland built two specialized radio systems to study how well fifth-generation cellular network technology, known as 5G, can handle the demands of air taxi communications.
“The goal of this research is to understand how wireless cellphone networks could be leveraged by the aviation industry to enable new frontiers of aviation operations,” said Casey Bakula, lead researcher for the project, who is based at Glenn. “The findings of this work could serve as a blueprint for future aviation communication network providers, like satellite navigation providers and telecommunications companies, and help guide the Federal Aviation Administration’s plan for future advanced air mobility network requirements in cities.”
Instead of developing entirely new standards for air taxi communications, NASA is looking to see if the aviation industry could leverage the expertise, experience, and investments made by the cellular industry towards the development of reliable, secure, and scalable aviation networks. If 5G networks could provide an “80% solution” to the challenge, researchers can focus on identifying the remaining 20% that would need to be adapted to meet the needs of the air taxi industry.
5G networks can manage a lot of data at once and have very low signal transmission delay compared to satellite systems, which could make them ideal for providing location data between aircraft in busy city skies. Ground antennas and networks in cities can help air taxis stay connected as they fly over buildings, making urban flights safer.
To conduct their tests, NASA researchers set up a system that meets current 5G standards and would allow for future improvements in performance. They placed one radio in the agency’s Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and set up another radio on the roof of Glenn’s Aerospace Communications Facility building. With an experimental license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct flights, the team tested signal transmissions using a radio frequency band the Federal Communications Commission dedicated for the safe testing of drones and other uncrewed aircraft systems.
During testing, NASA’s PC-12 flew various flight patterns near Glenn. The team used some of the flight patterns to measure how the signal could weaken as the aircraft moved away from the ground station. Other patterns focused on identifying areas where nearby buildings might block signals, potentially causing interference or dead zones. The team also studied how the aircraft’s angle and position relative to the ground station affected the quality of the connection.
These initial tests provided the NASA team an opportunity to integrate its new C-Band radio testbed onto the aircraft, verify its basic functionality, and the operation of the corresponding ground station, as well as refine the team’s test procedures. The successful completion of these activities allows the team to begin research on how 5G standards and technologies could be utilized in existing aviation bands to provide air-to-ground and aircraft-to-aircraft communications services.
In addition to meeting these initial test objectives, the team also recorded and verified the presence of propeller modulation. This is a form of signal degradation caused by the propeller blades of the aircraft partially blocking radio signals as they rotate. The effect becomes more significant as aircraft fly at the lower altitudes air taxis are expected to operate. The airframe configuration and number of propellers on some of the new air taxi models may cause increased propeller modulation effects, so NASA researchers will study this further.
NASA research will provide baseline performance data that the agency will share with the FAA and the advanced air mobility sector of the aviation industry, which explores new air transportation options. Future research looking into cellular network usage will focus on issues such as maximum data speeds, signal-to-noise ratios, and synchronization between aircraft and ground systems. Researchers will be able to use NASA’s baseline data to measure the potential of new changes or features to communications systems.
Future aircraft will need to carry essential communications systems for command and control, passenger safety, and coordination with other aircraft to avoid collisions. Reliable wireless networks offer the possibility for safe operations of air taxis, particular in cities and other crowded areas.
This work is led by NASAs Air Mobility Pathfinders project under the Airspace Operations and Safety Program in support of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility mission.
Source: NASA
Commercial companies and government agencies are increasingly pursuing a more immersive and affordable alternative to conventional displays currently used in flight simulators. A NASA research project is working on ways to make this technology available for use faster.
Mixed reality systems where users interact with physical simulators while wearing virtual reality headsets offer a promising path forward for pilot training. But currently, only limited standards exist for allowing their use, as regulators have little to no data on how these systems perform. To address this, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley invited a dozen pilots to participate in a study to test how a mixed-reality flight simulation would perform in the world’s largest flight simulator.
“For the first time, we’re collecting real data on how this type of mixed reality simulation performs in the highest-fidelity vertical motion simulator,” said Peter Zaal, a principal systems architect at Ames. “The more we understand about how these systems affect pilot performance, the closer we are to providing a safer, cost-effective training tool to the aviation community that could benefit everyone from commercial airlines to future air taxi operators.”
Mixed reality blends physical and digital worlds, allowing users to see physical items while viewing a desired simulated environment. Flight simulators employing this technology through headset or a similar setup could offer pilots training for operating next-generation aircraft at a reduced cost and within a smaller footprint compared to more traditional flight simulators. This is because pilots could rely more heavily on the visuals provided through the headset instead of large embedded visual displays in a physical motion simulator.
During the testing – which ran May 23-30 – pilots donned a headset through which they could see the physical displays and control sticks inside the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) cab along with a virtual cockpit overlay of an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle through the head-mounted display. When the pilots looked toward their windscreens, they saw a virtual view of San Francisco and the surrounding area.
Pilots performed three typical flight maneuvers under four sets of motion conditions. Afterward, they were asked to provide feedback on their level of motion sickness while using the head-mounted display and how well the simulator replicated the same movements the aircraft would make during a real flight.
An initial analysis of the study shows pilots reported lower ratings of motion sickness than NASA researchers expected. Many shared that the mixed-reality setup inside the VMS felt more realistic and fluid than previous simulator setups they had tested.
As part of the test, Ames hosted members of the Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, which studies factors that influence human performance in aerospace. Pilots from the National Test Pilot School attended a portion of the testing and, independent from the study, evaluated the head-mounted display’s “usable cue environment,” or representation of the visual cues pilots rely on to control an aircraft.
NASA will make the test results available to the public and the aviation community early next year. This first-of-its-kind testing – funded by an Ames Innovation Fair Grant and managed by the center’s Aviation Systems Division – paves the way for potential use of this technology in the VMS for future aviation and space missions.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
July 23, 2025
Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Combat Chinese Drone Market Dominance
Washington, DC — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today introduced the Leading Exports of Aerial Drones Act, or LEAD Act, legislation that would make it easier for American companies to sell unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to American allies and partners.
“The current restrictions on UAS sales to allies and partners are outdated and put American companies at a disadvantage, all while ceding the market to Communist China. This bill will spur American business and innovation while decreasing global dependence on Chinese military technology,” said Senator Cotton.
“Drones aren’t just the future of warfare—as we’re seeing in Ukraine, they’re its present, too. Against the backdrop of increasing alignment between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, we must ensure that the United States and our allies and partner have the weapons systems and munitions we need to defend ourselves. This bill is a first step towards the objective of greater military production, integration, and deterrence for the United States and our allies in an increasingly dangerous world,” said Senator Coons.
“This commonsense legislation would cut red tape to make drone technology more accessible and foster greater strategic defense cooperation with our allies, and I’m glad to support it,” said Senator Cornyn.
Bill text is here.
The LEAD Act would:
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Securing the Skies: Law Enforcement, Drones, and Public Safety.” During his opening remarks, Durbin criticized the Trump Administration’s unilateral focus on mass deportation at the expense of addressing serious threats posed by hostile foreign nations, cartels, and other malign actors. Further, Durbin expressed his frustration that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has failed to testify before the Committee on her agency’s unprecedented campaign of mass deportation.
Key Quotes:
“Thanks, Chairman Grassley, for holding this hearing to highlight the need to better combat the threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems, known as drones. As the use of drones continues to increase, these conversations are more important than ever.
“However, I want to first note that while we have witnesses from the Trump Administration, and they are welcome, this Committee has yet to hear from Homeland Security Secretary Noem on this issue and a broad array of other critical issues. Secretary Noem is overseeing an unprecedented campaign of mass deportations. She should answer for the indiscriminate arrests of law-abiding individuals by masked officials, and even the arrest and detention of U.S. citizens, including [a] veteran.”
“Why do I bring this up today? Because this Administration is diverting federal law enforcement away from countering threats to our nation in order to participate in its mass deportation campaign.”
“As we will discuss today, there is a real threat posed by hostile foreign nations, cartels, and other malign actors exploiting drone technology for espionage, cyber-attacks, and drug and weapons trafficking. So, we need to hear from Secretary Noem about why she is shifting the focus of the agency she leads away from these threats to our homeland in order to arrest immigrants with no criminal record [and with] deep roots in our country.”
“The FAA reports that over a million drones are currently registered in the United States for a broad range of commercial and recreational activities—from farming to photography to journalism. Law enforcement and government agencies also use drones for search and rescue, disasters, surveillance of criminal activity, and even traffic enforcement.”
“But, like any technology, drones can also be dangerous. Drone operators can create safety hazards simply by flying into restricted areas, even if they do so by accident. Criminals and foreign adversaries also use drones for cyber-attacks, espionage, and transportation of drugs, weapons, or other contraband—including into prisons and across our borders.”
“For example, if I am sitting at Wrigley Field during a ball game with my grandkids, and I see a drone in the sky, I want to know that drone is safe and is authorized to be there.”
“Currently, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security are among four federal agencies with drone detection and mitigation authorities. These authorities allow DOJ and DHS to detect, track, monitor, seize, and even destroy drones that pose a credible threat to [places] such as federal courthouses, prisons, and mass gatherings.”
“The challenge we face now is how to update these authorities to enable law enforcement to protect us from nefarious drone activity without endangering civilian air traffic and people or property on the ground and [while] honor[ing] our First and Fourth Amendment. Addressing the threats posed by drones will require carefully tailored authorities with strong safeguards.”
“I hope that today’s hearing will be a step forward to reaching a bipartisan, bicameral agreement.”
Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
-30-
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and nine of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting answers on the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, including among analytical staff who proactively identify safety risks. The senators also inquired about comments by FAA officials suggesting the agency is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze safety data to identify risks.
“The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety,” the lawmakers wrote.
“The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 ‘close proximity events’ occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years—reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified…It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy,” the senators continued.
“In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers requested the following information by August 11, 2025:
In addition to Warner, Kaine, and Markey, the letter was cosigned by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
Warner and Kaine have long championed aviation safety and spoken out against federal workforce reductions at the FAA and other agencies. Following the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Warner and Kaine demanded answers from the FAA on additional safety measures to protect the public and expressed concerns about the impact of the “Department of Government Efficiency” in addressing issues that led to the mid-air collision. The senators also introduced legislation to strengthen aviation safety. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully got a provision included in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to require that all Department of Defense aircraft that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Earlier this year, Kaine invited Jason King, a veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the FAA’s safety division, as his guest to the State of the Union address. King was rehired after the State of the Union.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Administrator Bedford,
The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety. We therefore write to request information on changes in the FAA workforce and their impact on aviation safety, including any analyses that the FAA has conducted on the effects of workforce reductions on the agency’s safety mission.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 “close proximity events” occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years — reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in March, the then-Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that the agency missed this warning sign, in part because of the sheer volume of data that FAA personnel must analyze. The Acting Administrator’s testimony illustrated the need for an FAA workforce robust and experienced enough to analyze all relevant data and identify safety risks. It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy.
Despite this clear need for enhanced analytical capacity, the FAA has instead moved to reduce its workforce during this critical period. In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs. With the Department of Transportation (DOT) pushing personnel to leave via two rounds of the Deferred Resignation Program — under which employees could elect to resign and receive pay until September 2025 — coupled with the federal hiring freeze, federal officials are leaving their jobs and it may be difficult for the FAA to attract new, qualified employees. Although the DOT assured Senators that key FAA safety staff were exempt from firings and the Deferred Resignation Program, the FAA has still not clarified whether it has the staff it needs to ensure the safety of the American public. Estimates from the DOT suggest that between 1,000 and 3,000 employees may leave the agency once the Deferred Resignation Program offers are finalized. According to an internal presentation to FAA management: “Employees are departing the agency in mass quantities across all skill levels.” Most recently, the Department of Transportation may now be able to move ahead with a large Reduction in Force after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing federal agencies to move forward with staffing cuts consistent with existing federal law. This moment — after a tragic crash highlighted critical gaps in aviation safety — seems like precisely the wrong time for the FAA to aggressively shrink its workforce.
Moreover, the FAA’s recent announcement that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze its data — without explaining whether such AI tools are reliable or effective — provides little reassurance to the public. While we support the use of technology to improve how aviation safety data is used, the decision to rely on technological fixes while simultaneously moving ahead with staffing reductions is deeply worrisome. The FAA has not been transparent with Congress about the types of technology it is now using, whether those technologies are replacing, augmenting, or otherwise impacting the FAA workforce, or whether it requires human review of AI analyses before using any analysis in a safety-related decision. This reliance on technological fixes — without a transparent analysis of the FAA’s workforce levels and capacity— raises questions about the FAA’s commitment to prioritizing safety.
If the FAA lacks the staff to identify safety risks before future incidents occur, Congress must be informed of this as soon as possible. At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senators questioned FAA officials from the Office of Airports, the Office of Aviation Safety, and the Air Traffic Organization about the personnel reductions at their respective offices and whether their offices had conducted any analysis on the impact of these workforce cuts on aviation safety. Only the head of the FAA Office of Airports — which is charged with planning and developing a safe and efficient national airport system — responded that his Office had conducted such an analysis. Senators urged the FAA to turn over that analysis to the Committee, along with data on any workforce reductions, but to date it has not. It is essential that Congress have sufficient information to understand the impact of recent FAA personnel changes on aviation safety.
To better understand the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, please provide written responses to the following questions and requests for information by August 11, 2025:
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and nine of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting answers on the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, including among analytical staff who proactively identify safety risks. The senators also inquired about comments by FAA officials suggesting the agency is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze safety data to identify risks.
“The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety,” the lawmakers wrote.
“The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 ‘close proximity events’ occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years—reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified…It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy,” the senators continued.
“In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.
The lawmakers requested the following information by August 11, 2025:
For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis? Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?
In addition to Warner, Kaine, and Markey, the letter was cosigned by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
Warner and Kaine have long championed aviation safety and spoken out against federal workforce reductions at the FAA and other agencies. Following the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Warner and Kaine demanded answers from the FAA on additional safety measures to protect the public and expressed concerns about the impact of the “Department of Government Efficiency” in addressing issues that led to the mid-air collision. The senators also introduced legislation to strengthen aviation safety. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully got a provision included in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to require that all Department of Defense aircraft that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Earlier this year, Kaine invited Jason King, a veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the FAA’s safety division, as his guest to the State of the Union address. King was rehired after the State of the Union.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Administrator Bedford,
The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety. We therefore write to request information on changes in the FAA workforce and their impact on aviation safety, including any analyses that the FAA has conducted on the effects of workforce reductions on the agency’s safety mission.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 “close proximity events” occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years — reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in March, the then-Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that the agency missed this warning sign, in part because of the sheer volume of data that FAA personnel must analyze. The Acting Administrator’s testimony illustrated the need for an FAA workforce robust and experienced enough to analyze all relevant data and identify safety risks. It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy.
Despite this clear need for enhanced analytical capacity, the FAA has instead moved to reduce its workforce during this critical period. In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs. With the Department of Transportation (DOT) pushing personnel to leave via two rounds of the Deferred Resignation Program — under which employees could elect to resign and receive pay until September 2025 — coupled with the federal hiring freeze, federal officials are leaving their jobs and it may be difficult for the FAA to attract new, qualified employees. Although the DOT assured Senators that key FAA safety staff were exempt from firings and the Deferred Resignation Program, the FAA has still not clarified whether it has the staff it needs to ensure the safety of the American public. Estimates from the DOT suggest that between 1,000 and 3,000 employees may leave the agency once the Deferred Resignation Program offers are finalized. According to an internal presentation to FAA management: “Employees are departing the agency in mass quantities across all skill levels.” Most recently, the Department of Transportation may now be able to move ahead with a large Reduction in Force after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing federal agencies to move forward with staffing cuts consistent with existing federal law. This moment — after a tragic crash highlighted critical gaps in aviation safety — seems like precisely the wrong time for the FAA to aggressively shrink its workforce.
Moreover, the FAA’s recent announcement that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze its data — without explaining whether such AI tools are reliable or effective — provides little reassurance to the public. While we support the use of technology to improve how aviation safety data is used, the decision to rely on technological fixes while simultaneously moving ahead with staffing reductions is deeply worrisome. The FAA has not been transparent with Congress about the types of technology it is now using, whether those technologies are replacing, augmenting, or otherwise impacting the FAA workforce, or whether it requires human review of AI analyses before using any analysis in a safety-related decision. This reliance on technological fixes — without a transparent analysis of the FAA’s workforce levels and capacity— raises questions about the FAA’s commitment to prioritizing safety.
If the FAA lacks the staff to identify safety risks before future incidents occur, Congress must be informed of this as soon as possible. At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senators questioned FAA officials from the Office of Airports, the Office of Aviation Safety, and the Air Traffic Organization about the personnel reductions at their respective offices and whether their offices had conducted any analysis on the impact of these workforce cuts on aviation safety. Only the head of the FAA Office of Airports — which is charged with planning and developing a safe and efficient national airport system — responded that his Office had conducted such an analysis. Senators urged the FAA to turn over that analysis to the Committee, along with data on any workforce reductions, but to date it has not. It is essential that Congress have sufficient information to understand the impact of recent FAA personnel changes on aviation safety.
To better understand the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, please provide written responses to the following questions and requests for information by August 11, 2025:
For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis?
Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?
How were these AI tools selected? Please describe the specific testing or evaluation conducted in advance of the implementation of the tools and provide a copy of any reports or conclusions produced. If no testing or evaluation occurred, please explain why not.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Source: Interpol (news and events)
An INTERPOL-led border security operation across West Africa has resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, migrant smugglers and the seizure of drugs, stolen vehicles, cash and counterfeit goods.
During the eight-day (14 – 21 November) Operation Adwenpa II, more than 100 frontline officers used INTERPOL global policing capabilities to identify criminals, victims and illicit goods at 28 key border control points across 14 countries.
With several of the involved countries part of key people smuggling routes to Europe, at the Kourémalé checkpoint on the Mali/Guinea border, seven Guinean nationals were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal immigration of seven men and women aged between 16 and 22, heading towards Italy.
At the same checkpoint, 10 men being trafficked to Europe via Libya and to gold mines in Guinea were rescued and two men arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
At Dakola on the Burkina Faso/Ghana border, seven children from Cote d’Ivoire aged between 11 and 16 were taken into protective custody and two men from Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
Other key results include:
“INTERPOL clearly recognizes the severity of the transnational organized crime problem in this region, and has made it a priority to provide a wide range of tools and services to help member countries reinforce their border security procedures and coordinate police action with their neighbours,” said Commissaire Divisionnaire Kambile Pale Elie of the Cote d’Ivoire National Police.
INTERPOL National Central Bureaus coordinated activities on the ground, exchanging real-time data via INTERPOL’s global policing network supported by specialized officers from the General Secretariat and the Regional Bureau in Cote d’Ivoire.
Checks of airline passengers and crew were also made against INTERPOL’s databases to determine if any individuals were attempting to illegally enter countries using a passport reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, or were wanted internationally.
“Operation Adwenpa II demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement officers on the ground are given the INTERPOL training and tools needed to detect crime and criminals effectively,” said Tim Morris, INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services.
“West Africa’s border management capacity has been boosted in a sustainable manner, demonstrating the importance of INTERPOL’s global capabilities and support services in strengthening national and regional security,” added Mr Morris.
Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, Adwenpa II builds on the success of the first operation conducted in February as part of a two-year Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Border Management in West Africa.
With sustainability an integral part of the programme, a series of capacity building training sessions including a train-the-trainer session were held throughout West Africa prior to the operation.
Operation Adwenpa II partners include WCO, UNODC, and INTERPOL’s FormaTrain network which deployed vehicle identification experts to key land borders.
Countries which participated in Operation Adwenpa II: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Source: APO
Affluenz Magazine (www.Affluenz.com), International’s leading global luxury, leadership, and impact publication, has officially released its much-anticipated July/August 2025 issue — a special edition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
This commemorative edition features a powerful trio of cover stories — spotlighting the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the cultural diplomacy of UAE’s Minister of State, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and the entrepreneurial excellence of Elvis Sepenya, CEO of Skywise Group, one of Africa’s most innovative investment firms.
This historic issue celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s vision of unity, progress, and inclusion — a legacy that continues to define the modern UAE. Affluenz Magazine delves into his leadership, values, and role in positioning the Emirates as a hub of diplomacy, innovation, and tolerance.
Also on the cover is Noura Al Kaabi, a global advocate for cultural dialogue and creative economies. In her exclusive interview, she discusses the UAE’s mission to foster global cultural exchange and its investment in youth empowerment across the Arab world and Africa.
Rounding out the trio is Elvis Sepenya, the young African magnate who has risen to prominence through Skywise Group’s diversified holdings in aviation, real estate, and tech. His story of resilience, reinvention, and corporate leadership offers inspiration for a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
Beyond the covers, the issue features in-depth profiles on several influential leaders and institutions across Africa and the Middle East — from oil and gas executives and royalty to social innovators and philanthropists — all of whom are making measurable impact in their sectors and communities.
Beyond its striking covers, the July/August 2025 edition of Affluenz Magazine delivers an enriching array of exclusive features and compelling interviews that spotlight transformative figures shaping Africa and the global stage.
Among the celebrated personalities is Ameera Abraham, the trailblazing founder of The Nail Bar, who shares her journey in redefining luxury wellness and empowering a new wave of African beautypreneurs. Equally inspiring is Tonya Lawani, the formidable force behind SEAL Group, whose strategic leadership continues to drive innovation and empowerment across industries.
Linda Turner, founder of Linda Hope Initiatives and CEO of Jat Holdings, exemplifies the powerful blend of business acumen and humanitarian spirit. With ventures spanning real estate, fashion, interior design, and hospitality, she personifies resilience and compassion, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate—all grounded in her unwavering commitment to uplifting lives.
Adunni Rinwa emerges as a beacon of integrity and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector. As founder and CEO of Rinwa Realty, she has revolutionized property investment and homeownership, raising the bar for transparency and delivery in the industry.
The issue also features Hassan Imam, Managing Director of Keystone Bank, recognized for his strategic role in redefining digital banking and financial inclusion in Nigeria. From the UAE, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb is profiled for his contributions to sustainable urban development and visionary leadership in construction and infrastructure.
Adding to the intellectual gravitas of the edition is Peace Hyde, celebrated media entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Aim Higher Africa. Her voice continues to inspire a generation to dream big and build boldly.
Together, these stories reflect the essence of Affluenz Magazine: a publication committed to elevating Africa’s voices, capturing legacies in the making, and connecting excellence across continents.
Founded in 2011 as Pleasures Magazine and rebranded as Affluenz Magazine in 2024, the publication has evolved into a world-class platform that highlights African and Middle Eastern excellence, entrepreneurship, and culture. With editorial offices in Abuja, Dubai,Riyadh Accra, Washington DC and London, the magazine reaches readers in over 103 countries and maintains syndication through platforms like Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and Washington Times.
Speaking about the new edition, Executive Publisher Adedotun Olaoluwa remarked:
“This special issue is not just a tribute to Sheikh Zayed, but a celebration of global visionaries — individuals building bridges across continents. Affluenz continues to be a vessel for celebrating our shared humanity and transformative leadership from Africa to the Middle East.”
The July/August 2025 issue is now available in digital and print formats across select global outlets, including Barnes & Noble (US), WHSmith (UK), and Virgin Megastore (UAE), as well as through Affluenz’s official website: www.Affluenz.com and Selar (https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Affluenz (formerly Pleasures Magazine).
Contact:
Dotmount Communications
Email: info@affluenz.com
Instagram: @ affluenzmag
Phone: +234 816 090 6918
https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on
Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Kai James, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and six years
of supervised release by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to
conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role in a drug trafficking
conspiracy led by James and his brother, Ivan James. Other members in the James gang, Ivan James,
Joh Williams, Malachi Benjamin, Ariel Petersen, Jahkiebo Joseph, Tillisa Ceaser, and Luis Ortiz, Jr.,
all of St. Croix, were previously sentenced by Judge Kearney for their roles in the drug trafficking
conspiracy.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at the trial of Ivan James and Joh
Williams and other hearings, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in
January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized
an iPhone from then-inmate Joh Williams. A search of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed
text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances in the prison. Thereafter,
Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept calls from a second cell phone
used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of distribution of
controlled substances within the facility by Williams, supplied by Ivan James. The investigation
further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization
who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams.
Members of the gang who worked at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix used their
secured access to smuggle multiple kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts
destined for the continental United States. Testimony revealed that Ivan and Kai James recruited
couriers to deliver bricks of cocaine as passengers on board commercial flights. As a
manager/supervisor in the drug trafficking gang, Kai James used as many as 10 couriers to travel to
New York, North Carolina, and Florida with 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine per trip in this broad and
brazen drug trafficking operation.
In addition, a search warrant was executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James. Law
enforcement recovered marijuana, cocaine, and marijuana cultivation equipment. In a field adjacent
to the property, agents seized over 1,000 marijuana plants.
A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana
plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting
in the death of Levar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of
imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on
the drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven
years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of
firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to
93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced
to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin
pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72
months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz,
Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Ceaser was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment, and
Ortiz was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
“Due to the tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
Corrections, the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy
sentences for their involvement in these crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.
“This sentence sends a clear message, and it is credited to the extensive collaboration between
federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands
towards combatting drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and the myriads of other illicit activities of
transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security
Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos.
“The guilty plea of Kai James represents a decisive blow against the violent narcotics
conspiracy that plagued the people of St. Croix for far too long,” stated DEA Caribbean Division
Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “This case underscores the unwavering commitment
of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the
safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to have worked alongside the USAO, HSI,
FBI, CBP, and ATF to bring justice to those impacted by these crimes. Let this serve as a clear
message: we will not relent in our fight to protect the Caribbean from the scourge of drug trafficking
and violence.”
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money
launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a
prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal,
state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
Corrections. It was prosecuted by former United States Attorney Delia Smith, Acting Assistant United
States Attorney Adam Sleeper, and lead OCDETF attorney Kyle Payne.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, July 23 (Xinhua) — The number of travelers flying between China and five Central Asian countries via the airport of Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has increased 31.6 percent year on year to more than 277,000 since the beginning of 2025, according to data from the Urumqi Border Guard Service.
According to the data, international passenger airlines have linked Urumqi Tianshan International Airport with 10 major cities in Central Asian countries after launching two new air routes this year linking it with Fergana, Uzbekistan, and Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
During the reporting period, the incoming passenger flow to China via the Urumqi airport from Central Asian countries on a visa-free basis exceeded 30 thousand people, with the majority of air passengers coming from countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
As of July 23, more than 530,000 people have entered or exited China via Tianshan Airport since the beginning of 2025, up 66 percent year-on-year, while international cargo turnover through the airport has exceeded 54,000 tons, up 635 percent year-on-year. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport
Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev and the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov heard a report on plans to expand airport infrastructure and develop air traffic in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Today, flights to 83 destinations are operated from Kazan International Airport named after Gabdulla Tukay: 51 on domestic routes and 32 on international routes.
The airport is designed to receive 2.5 million passengers per year, but already in 2023 it received twice as many passengers. In 2024, 5.3 million passengers were served, an increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2023 (in 2023 – almost 5.2 million passengers).
In preparation for the BRICS summit in October 2024, a new passenger platform with 51 parking spaces and an area of 160 thousand square meters was put into operation.
The airport continues to develop, and as part of the master plan, work has begun on the design of a new passenger terminal. Its capacity will be more than 5.7 million passengers per year.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
10 projects from the first phase of the government’s flagship hydrogen programme can begin construction.
Skilled jobs will be created in Britain’s industrial heartlands, as the first commercial-scale green hydrogen projects in the country sign long-term contracts to fuel heavy industry with clean, homegrown energy.
In an update to the hydrogen market, the government has confirmed that 10 projects from the first phase of its flagship hydrogen programme – Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1) – can begin construction, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.
This means spades can now enter the ground across the country in a major boost to the UK’s hydrogen industry, creating highly skilled jobs in industrial cities and regions such as South Wales, Bradford (North West), North Scotland and Teesside (North East).
These projects will support British industry to move away from using fossil fuels towards domestically-produced low-carbon hydrogen, reducing emissions heavy industry – such as steel, glass and heavy transport – ensuring decarbonisation is a route to reindustrialisation.
The HyMarnham project in Newark, Nottinghamshire has already started construction. The project is transforming the old High Marnham coal-fired power station into a clean energy hub by using hydrogen to decarbonise waste disposal operations.
Cromarty Hydrogen Project in Northeast Scotland is another of the 10 projects. The project’s 3 5MW electrolysers – which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen – will power local industrial users, including distilleries.
Taken together, the projects are expected to create over 700 jobs, including roles for apprentices, graduates, pipefitters and engineers. They are also expected to bring in over £400 million of private capital investment which has been committed between 2024 and 2026 – driving economic growth and British innovation through the Plan for Change.
The update comes as Andrex and Kleenex producer Kimberly-Clark announces that it will be the first major consumer goods company in the UK to make a significant commitment to green hydrogen. Kimberly-Clark, together with energy partners HYRO, Carlton Power, and Schroders Greencoat, will invest a combined £125 million into HAR1 projects at two plants in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and Northfleet, Kent.
Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, said:
This government is rolling out hydrogen out at scale for the first time, with 10 of the first projects now shovel-ready to start powering businesses with clean, homegrown energy from Teesside to Devon.
Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain’s industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change.
Neil McDermott, Chief Executive of Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC), said:
LCCC is proud to have signed the UK’s first Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreements, supporting the development of projects under the Hydrogen Production Business Model.
These agreements provide revenue stability for producers, and a clear signal that low-carbon hydrogen has a key role to play in the UK’s future energy system.
We look forward to working closely with project developers to bring these projects into operation.
Dan Howell, Managing Director at Kimberly-Clark UK & Ireland said:
We are delighted to be the first UK consumer goods manufacturer to really embrace green hydrogen, showing that manufacturing industries can take the lead and overcome the technical challenge and adopt green hydrogen at scale. This initiative builds on the investments and progress we’ve already made with innovative technologies for our business, our consumers and our customers.
Today’s announcement follows the Spending Review which saw an extra £500 million confirmed for the first ever hydrogen transport and storage network as part of Britain’s industrial renewal, connecting hydrogen producers with vital end users, including power stations and industry for the first time.
The government has also announced that it will consult on transmission-level hydrogen blending – assessing the economic and technical feasibility for hydrogen to be blended into the networks that are the backbone of Britain’s gas system, before it is safely transported into homes and businesses.
Hydrogen transmission blending has the potential to reduce costs for hydrogen production projects and the wider energy system, and the consultation will also gather evidence to assess whether hydrogen blending could lower consumers’ energy bills.
Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said:
Signing these contracts demonstrates the confidence and commitment of both the government and industry in building a sustainable hydrogen sector.
Our members are at the forefront of this transition, and their projects will play a vital role in meeting the UK’s net-zero targets while driving economic growth and job creation.
Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:
This announcement marks a significant and encouraging milestone for the UK’s hydrogen sector.
The signing of contracts for 10 projects under HAR1 provides vital momentum and confidence for industry and investors alike.
We look forward to seeing these projects move into the next phase, helping to scale up the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy.
Pierre de Raphélis-Soissan, CEO of Hynamics UK who are developing the Tees Green Hydrogen project, said:
We are delighted that Tees Green Hydrogen has successfully signed a contract as part of the Hydrogen Allocation Round.
We are committed to advancing low carbon hydrogen solutions that not only support the UK’s energy transition but also contribute to a sustainable future for our communities.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the journey towards industrial decarbonisation within the Tees Valley region.
Gareth Mills and Kevin Selleslags, on behalf of Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen (BLCH) said:
Signing our contract to take the largest HAR 1 project forward is a significant step.
Thanks to the government’s investment, we’re able to continue to progress our plans to transform Birkshall from a former fossil fuel gas site powering Bradford’s homes and businesses to a flagship low carbon hydrogen production facility and fuelling station.
The scheme will not only help the area decarbonise with cleaner fuel but will vitally create around £120 million and support 125 jobs in the regional economy.
Alistair Collins, Director at HyMarnham Power, said:
As one of the first HAR1 projects now commissioning electrolyser systems, we’re proud to demonstrate what government support can unlock, real infrastructure, green hydrogen production and a tangible contribution to the UK’s net zero and energy security goals.
Lucy Whitford, RES’ Managing Director, UK&I, said:
Green hydrogen, created using British low carbon energy, will revolutionise how we power industry, helping the UK to build a globally competitive, zero carbon economy in the process.
We are proud of the success of HYRO’s Northfleet project, which will show how we can make green hydrogen a reality.
HAR1 projects are expected to access over £2 billion over 15 years in revenue support from the Hydrogen Production Business Model and over £90 million in capital expenditure support via the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund.
Further details of the 10 projects which have signed to HAR1 are detailed in the table below, with contracts available on the LCCC registry.
Government is working collaboratively with the project developer of the final HAR1 project to ensure they are ready to sign the Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement as soon as possible.
See the transmission blending consultation.
| Project name | Developer | Constituency | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cromarty Hydrogen Project | Scottish Power & Storegga | Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross | Cromarty Green Hydrogen Project is located in northeast Scotland and is being developed by Scottish Power and Storegga. The project will use electricity from nearby wind farms produce hydrogen that could be sold to local industrial offtakers, including distilleries. |
| Bradford Low Carbon | Hygen | Bradford East | Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen is located within the city centre of Bradford, Yorkshire and is being developed by Hygen in partnership with Ryze. The project will use renewable electricity to produce hydrogen for use in a range of offtakers in the mobility sector. JCB and Wrightbus are key potential customers. |
| West Wales Hydrogen Project | Morgen & Trafigura | Mid and South Pembrokeshire | West Wales Hydrogen Project is located in Milford Haven, West Wales, and is being developed by MorGen and Trafigura. The project will produce hydrogen could be sold to local industrial offtakers including Natural Gas facilities to decarbonise their operations. |
| High Marnham | JG Pears & GeoPura | Newark | HyMarnham is located on the site of an old coal power station in the East Midlands and is being developed by JG Pears and GeoPura. Hydrogen produced is expected to be used by GeoPura to supply their remote power generation units and by JG Pears as part of their waste disposal operations. |
| Whitelee Green Hydrogen | Scottish Power | Kilmarnock and Loudoun | Whitelee Green Hydrogen is located in central Scotland, 14 miles south of Glasgow and is being developed by Scottish Power. The project will use electricity from Whitelee Wind Farm to produce hydrogen to be sold to local distilleries and transportation companies to decarbonise their operations. |
| Green Hydrogen 3 | HYRO | Gravesham | Green Hydrogen 3 is located in Northfleet, South east, and is developed by HYRO. Electricity will be sourced through a renewable Power Purchase Agreement and aims to be used to produce hydrogen for use in a paper mill to power industrial boilers. |
| Trafford | Carlton Power | Stretford and Urmston (Greater Manchester) | Trafford Hydrogen Project is located in Trafford, Manchester and is being developed by Carlton Power. The project will produce hydrogen to be sold to a range of local industrial offtakers. |
| Barrow | Barrow-in-Furness (Cumbria) | Barrow Hydrogen is located in Cumbria and is being developed by Carlton Power. The project could provide low carbon hydrogen to the neighbouring Kimberly Clark tissue manufacturing site. | |
| Langage | South West Devon (Plymouth) | Langage green hydrogen is located in Plymouth and is being developed by Carlton Power. The project will supply hydrogen to companies located in Langage Energy Park which could utilise Hydrogen in place of gas in industrial processes such as minerals processing. | |
| Tees Green | EDF/Hynamics | Redcar (Teesside) | The Tees Green hydrogen project is located in Teeside. Low carbon hydrogen will be produced from electricity generated in the Teesside Offshore Wind Farm for use in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, helping decarbonise the aviation industry in the future. |
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
As the UK enters the heart of summer – with temperatures rising and families holidaying – the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reinforcing essential safety advice for anyone using medicines or medical devices.
As the UK enters the heart of summer – with temperatures rising and families holidaying – the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reinforcing essential safety advice for anyone using medicines or medical devices. The aim is to help everyone enjoy the summer safely, while ensuring their healthcare routine stays effective.
“When the sun comes out and the thermometer rises, it’s easy to forget that heat can affect medicines and medical devices, and that some treatments can change how you respond to sun and heat. These refreshed summer tips are vital to help people stay safe and well throughout the summer.”
Avoid leaving medicines in direct sun, hot cars, travel bags, or on sunny windowsills – temperatures can easily exceed safe storage limits and degrade tablets, inhalers, insulin, EpiPens and more.
If you spot changes in smell, colour, texture, or performance of your medicines, consult a pharmacist.
While travelling, keep your medicines in a cool bag or stay in temperature-controlled environments.
Even well-sealed medical devices – like blood glucose monitors – can misread if exposed to excessive heat or humidity.
Stay cool, keep devices dry, and run periodic control checks.
Be alert during heatwaves: some medicines can worsen dehydration or impair temperature regulation, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, diabetes treatments, antipsychotics, and stimulants.
Heatstroke and dehydration can happen fast. Watch for dizziness, confusion, headaches or dark urine, especially if you’re on medication that affects fluid balance, such as a diuretic.
Drink water regularly, find shade or cool spaces, and avoid peak sun.
Several medicines – such as methotrexate, certain antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, acne or eczema treatments, and even painkillers like ibuprofen –can increase sun sensitivity, leading to severe sunburn and blistering.
Use a high-SPF sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid midday sun (11 am – 3 pm).
If exposure to heat, sun, or medications seems to have affected your medicine, report it via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme – the UK system for flagging medicine/device safety concerns.
Prompt reporting helps the MHRA identify adverse reactions early and act to protect public health.
Report any concerns through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, which can be accessed at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India is expected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028 and more than double its GDP to $10.6 trillion by 2035, according to a Morgan Stanley report released on Wednesday.
The report estimates that three to five Indian states — including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka — could each approach the $1 trillion mark, placing them among the top 20 global economies by 2035.
“Based on the latest data, the top three states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana,” the report said. It also highlighted Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh as the states that have shown the most improvement in rankings over the last five years.
According to the report, India is likely to contribute 20% of global growth over the next decade and emerge as a key driver of earnings for multinational companies.
Morgan Stanley’s economists underlined the crucial role played by India’s 28 states and eight Union Territories in achieving this growth trajectory. “States not only manage their own finances but also compete for investments by designing policies and easing business conditions. Ultimately, every factory or business is set up in a specific state,” the report said.
The success of India’s “competitive federalism,” it added, will determine whether the country can become a global manufacturing hub, double per capita income within seven years, and sustain the momentum in capital markets.
States are expected to play an increasingly important role as India moves toward becoming a $10.6 trillion economy. Their legislative and political autonomy enables them to shape industrial policy and attract investment.
Over the past decade, the report said, infrastructure spending has seen a major push. The Centre’s capital expenditure has doubled to 3.2% of GDP in FY25 from 1.6% in FY15. As a result, highway networks have expanded by 60%, airports have doubled, and metro rail systems have quadrupled.
Key central schemes — including PM Gati Shakti, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN — have been implemented in tandem with state-level initiatives. States also lead investments in sectors such as power, water, and urban development.
“The Centre and states must continue to collaborate closely to meet India’s economic ambitions,” the report said.
—IANS
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Tang Fei and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 23):
Question:
It is reported that the Singapore Government is actively developing the meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry, having set a clear target of tripling related tourism revenue by 2040. Through measures such as policy support, financial assistance, and cross-departmental collaboration, the Singapore Government has successfully attracted numerous international event organisers to establish a presence there, significantly enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness in the global MICE market. However, Hong Kong’s ranking in the international MICE market is relatively behind, having ranked only 33rd globally in terms of the number of MICE events held in 2023. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether comprehensive and regular evaluations of the effectiveness of Hong Kong’s existing MICE policies have been conducted, including performance in areas such as recent international rankings, market competitiveness, economic gains and spillover benefits to related industries; if so, of the details and how the authorities will adjust future development strategies for the MICE industry based on the evaluation results; if not, the reasons for that and whether consideration will be given to initiating such evaluations as soon as possible to more effectively promote the long-term development of the MICE industry;
(2) as there are views that Hong Kong’s current image at international MICE events is primarily associated with traditional trade exhibitions and lacks high-end international summits with global influence, whether the Government will consider re-examining and adjusting its current MICE promotion strategies, which could involve actively pursuing the hosting of internationally renowned summits with decision-making influence, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s image as an international city, attracting high-end visitors and driving economic growth; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as there are views that resources for the MICE industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) are dispersed, and with Hong Kong being the most internationalised city in the region, how the Government will assume a leading role in promoting MICE development; whether it will, through policy advocacy, resource integration, cross-city collaboration and other means, guide the Mainland cities in the GBA to jointly develop a co-ordinated MICE development strategy, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of the entire GBA in the international MICE industry?
Reply:
President,
We have consulted the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau on the part involving the promotion of meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and the consolidated reply is as follows:
Hong Kong is the world’s seventh-largest trading entity in merchandise trade and also the region’s premier convention and exhibition (C&E) hub. Many well-known international organisations and businesses have chosen to host C&E events in Hong Kong. C&E events, in particular international ones, have attracted numerous participants (including exhibitors and buyers), not only benefitting the C&E industry but also bringing in high-spending business travellers that drive economic activities in such related sectors as accommodation, catering, retail, entertainment etc., thereby benefitting various industries and bringing important contributions to Hong Kong’s economy.
In 2024, Hong Kong’s two dedicated venues for mega C&E events (viz. the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE)) hosted over 350 C&E events, attracting 9.17 million participants. In terms of attracting visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been striving to attract different types of visitor segments. Among others, the HKTB seeks to encourage those visitors coming to Hong Kong to participate in MICE-related business activities as well as stay and travel in the city through promoting Hong Kong as a destination for MICE tourism. In 2023 and 2024, there were about 1.3 million and 1.42 million overnight MICE visitors respectively. Their per capita spending was about 30 per cent and 40 per cent higher than that of the overall overnight visitors in the respective years.
In view of the contribution of C&E events to Hong Kong’s overall economy, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government launched the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE) in July 2023 to subsidise venue rentals of eligible exhibitions organised by private organisers. The ISRE was very well received, supporting more than 200 eligible exhibitions by the end of June this year. To further promote the development of the C&E industry and the mega event economy, thereby generating overall economic benefits for Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government has just launched the ISRE 2.0 on July 1, 2025, by allocating an additional provision of $500 million, focusing on attracting new and recurrent international exhibitions of a large scale.
Since the resumption of tourism in Hong Kong starting from February 2023, the HKTB has stepped up its efforts to promote the recovery and development of MICE tourism. So far, the HKTB has successfully bid, assisted in successful bidding, or subsidised the staging of over 2 500 international MICE events in Hong Kong, which span across various fields including innovation and technology, financial services, medical science, luxuries, community services, aviation, etc. Among these events, there are high-end international summits of global impact, including the Fortune Innovation Forum 2024 held in March 2024, the Leaders of Luxury Summit 2024 held in November 2024 and the Consensus Hong Kong held in February 2025. Meanwhile, scheduled international MICE events include the Routes World 2025 to be held in September 2025, as well as the Lions International Convention and the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly to be held in 2026 etc. It is estimated that the MICE events supported by the HKTB in 2025-26 will attract more than 183 000 high value-added overnight MICE visitors to visit Hong Kong, generating a total spending of about $1.4 billion based on the per capita spending of $7,800 by MICE visitors in 2024.
In respect of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the HKTB will extend the scope of its promotion work under the theme of “Meet Hong Kong ‧ Meet GBA” to explicate the opportunities within the GBA so as to attract the staging of overseas MICE events in Hong Kong. In addition, the C&E industry will also explore the inclusion of GBA elements in suitable events. Among others, the UFI Global Congress 2025 will be held in the AWE in November 2025. As the host of the event, the AWE has incorporated GBA itineraries (Zhuhai and Macao) for participants from all over the world with a view to showcasing Hong Kong’s strategic advantage of being located in the centre of the GBA.
Looking ahead, the HKSAR Government and the HKTB, in collaboration with the C&E industry and relevant organisations, will continue to support the staging of international MICE events of different scales and types in Hong Kong, so as to help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international MICE capital and attract more high value-added overnight visitors.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Current issues of the region’s socio-economic development were discussed.
Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the head of the Altai Republic Andrey Turchak
From the transcript:
M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, good afternoon!
Thank you for showing the hospital, the emergency department, modern, new, with all the necessary equipment, built in two and a half months. This is pleasing. The speed with which it was all done and the professionalism are visible. We also heard this from the people who visit it.
More and more tourists are coming to the Altai Republic. Soon, literally in a few days, the International Ecological Conference will take place. Distinguished guests will arrive.
Last year, a decision was made (we discussed this with you) to build a modern, now international airport. The funds are there, they are planned, there is an investor. And it is very important to provide for the entire complex development around it, the logistics infrastructure – this is a transport hub, access roads, service maintenance and much more.
First of all, I want to ask how this work is going? Please.
A. Turchak: Mikhail Vladimirovich, first of all, thank you for giving our airport the status of an international airport. Today, a modern international checkpoint has already been opened on the territory of the airport terminal. In general, as you correctly said, the tourist flow is growing, and the airport infrastructure can no longer cope with it. Therefore, by 2028, within the framework of the concession agreement, we will complete the modernization of the entire airfield infrastructure and build a new terminal. Our goal is to increase passenger traffic to 1.3 million passengers per year by 2030.
By road. You are absolutely right, connectivity is necessary, because tourists come to us not only by air, but also by car.
Regarding the road sector, in 2024, under the national project, we allocated about 6.6 billion rubles for this and brought 196 km of our roads into compliance. And it is very important that 10 km are directly in the Gorno-Altaisk agglomeration itself, which includes our capital Gorno-Altaisk and the suburban Mayminsky district. This year, we plan to bring 101 km and 12 bridges into compliance. The topic of bridges is very important for our republic, I reported to you about it last time. We are systematically moving towards putting the bridge sector in order. This year, our road fund is 3.5 billion.
This year, with your support, the reconstruction of the Chuysky tract will begin – this is a 21 km section to Manzherok, which will solve the problem of traffic jams, especially during the high tourist season, and reduce accidents.
One project I wanted to report to you about, you supported it last year, is the construction of the Platovsky Bridge by shifting funds to the left. We are handing it over ahead of schedule. This is the first bridge that has been built in the republic in the last six years.
We continue working with the Ministry of Transport to bypass Maima and, in general, Gorno-Altaisk, the entire Gorno-Altaisk agglomeration. We need to take transit transport beyond the boundaries of the agglomeration. In this part, the Ministry of Transport will support us. Once again, I would like to thank you very much for supporting the development of our transport infrastructure.
M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, I know that you are very actively involved in infrastructure. It is important to keep everything under personal control here. So that the logistics infrastructure, the new airport will allow for the expansion of tourism opportunities, and also contribute to the growth of the number of residents.
Another task is the construction of social, in particular educational, facilities. You are also actively involved in this.
The federal budget for three years provides funds for the construction of a school in Gorno-Altaisk, as well as a lyceum of about 2.5 billion rubles. Much is being done for healthcare as well. The hospital admissions department that we looked at today is one example.
Please tell us what else is being done and built in the fields of education and medicine.
A. Turchak: Mikhail Vladimirovich, at the last meeting I reported to you that one of the main challenges I faced was the large number of long-term construction projects that existed at that time. I want to thank you. With your support, additional funds were allocated. We commissioned the seventh school in Gorno-Altaisk – a long-awaited facility that was built on the direct instructions of the President. The start of construction of this facility is 2021. We commissioned it in January of this year. A unique school.
M. Mishustin: Were the problems mainly due to contractors?
A. Turchak: The problems were due to the poor quality of the project. We had to redesign, undergo a new assessment, then the cost of materials increased, and so on. Nevertheless, the school was completed, it became such a good gift for the 200th anniversary of Gorno-Altaisk, which we celebrated.
The only school in the city where children from the 1st grade study the Altai language. The school has a very large sports core. Two sports halls inside the school, a large stadium, several playgrounds where children can practice national sports.
Another long-term construction project is a sports and fitness complex with a games room. We also completed it in December last year. Residents were waiting for it with impatience.
The Cultural Development Center, which I reported to you about, has also been completed. In July, we opened it with the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. The first cultural institution built in the city in the last 13 years.
Also, with your support, the issue of reconstruction of the 12th school has moved from dead center. Not just reconstruction, but, in fact, the construction of a new building. We will introduce this facility by 2027 – the federal budget has allocated 615 million for it, and the republican budget – 345 million rubles.
Regarding the Republican Classical Lyceum, which you are monitoring. All work is on schedule, the completion date is 2026. The budget provides 3.3 billion, of which 2.7 billion is the federal budget. And the uniqueness of this project is that the developer additionally attracted its own 500 million rubles to complete the construction of the campus of this lyceum. It will be a truly unique educational institution, in which gifted children from the most remote corners of our republic will be able not only to receive a quality education, but also to develop their talents in various fields.
This year we have planned to carry out major repairs of 11 rural schools and the first gymnasium in Gorno-Altaisk. More than 700 million rubles from the federal budget are allocated for these purposes.
In addition, we are building another new school for 360 students in the Chemalsky District. This is a comprehensive rural development program that is actively operating in our republic.
We also repair kindergartens, primarily in rural areas. We have repaired four in a year and are building three new ones. 920 million rubles are allocated for these purposes from the federal and republican budgets. In general, we keep the issues of modernization and improvement of educational infrastructure under control and work on them with the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. Our colleagues support us.
M. Mishustin: Modern schools, kindergartens, educational institutions, hospitals, clinics – this is very important for people and makes it possible to attract investors. And for the republic, by decision of the President, an individual program of socio-economic development has been formed. Quite significant funds are provided until 2030.
Tell us what is planned within this program?
A. Turchak: If possible, one more thing on the topic of healthcare. Today, the Minister of Health reported to you on the overall situation in the republic. We examined the admission and diagnostic department of our republican hospital, equipped with a modern operating unit, modern diagnostic equipment – MRI, CT, ultrasound. We are the first region to implement this project this year. Indeed, the timing of its implementation is quite unique. In almost less than three months, this facility was erected, and 80% of the structures, materials, and equipment itself were of domestic production. By your decision, we received 744 million rubles from the federal budget for this project, including the MRI machine, which was also introduced this year on your instructions, and now our residents do not need to travel to other regions for such high-tech examination.
I would like to talk about the perinatal center. I approached you with this question last year. Our current perinatal center is located in a maternity hospital built in 1975. You gave the order to work out a step-by-step, phased plan for the implementation of this project. I would like to report on the work done.
As of today, we have worked out a medical and technical assignment together with the Ministry of Health. The concept for the construction of a new perinatal center is ready. Mikhail Albertovich Murashko saw it and supported it. And, if possible, I would like to separately report to you our proposals on how to gradually put everything related to obstetrics in our republic in order.
M. Mishustin: Yesterday we inspected the perinatal center in Chita. A wonderful and, in fact, methodological center not only for the Zabaikalsky Krai, but also for the entire Far East. And most importantly, the people who work there, mostly women, really help with obstetrics, and warmly welcome mothers and fathers. It seems to me that it is very important to support you in the construction of this center.
A. Turchak: Thank you very much.
According to the individual development program. We have good results for the first five-year plan. 2 thousand jobs have been created. 2.5 billion in extra-budgetary investments have been attracted. During the period of the individual program, the region has become one of the leaders in terms of investment growth rates in fixed capital.
In terms of specific results, 120 projects in the agro-industrial complex were supported, 8 accommodation facilities, 8 sites for processing milk, meat, wood, and producing dietary supplements were created. The Industrial Development Fund and the SME Fund were recapitalized, and 66 preferential loans were issued.
According to the new program. In the current 2025, we will support the development of the material and technical base of at least four agricultural enterprises. First of all, these are projects in the dairy industry. I can give one example. Our agroholding “Ekoniva” will build a dairy complex in the Ust-Kansky district. Moreover, the owner of this project in the recent past is a citizen of Germany, who has now acquired Russian citizenship and is registered for tax purposes in the Altai Republic.
Farmers will also be provided with a subsidy to support and develop crop production, meat and milk processing. We will support 22 SME projects, 4 tourism infrastructure projects and, most importantly, personnel training – we plan to train at least 150 specialists per year.
Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, the implementation of individual programs is impossible without solving the main issue in the republic. And the main issue in the republic– I reported to you at the last meeting – this is land.
I would like to thank you for your support: last year you supported our proposal to lift the moratorium on mass inspections of the intended use of land. Thanks to this decision, a land amnesty was launched in the region, which is aimed at legalizing the illegal accommodation facilities that were identified.
Together with Rosreestr, the FMS worked. They identified about one and a half thousand accommodation facilities that were not registered with the tax authorities, that is, they did not pay either land tax or property tax. More than half went for legalization – 800 voluntarily submitted applications, and are now preparing their documents.
The amnesty ends with the inclusion of these accommodation facilities in the register. Accordingly, in addition to direct tax revenues, we will receive at least half a billion rubles of our own income. I reported to you today that we will spend a third of them on supporting healthcare, in particular, on developing the emergency medical service.
In this regard, I would like to make one request to you – to use a similar approach to reduce the level of shadow employment and legalize labor relations in the region. If possible, I would like to ask you to instruct Rostrud, just as we did for the land, to conduct unscheduled monitoring and supervisory activities for the Altai Republic with the involvement of employees of territorial bodies of Rostrud from other regions, because our own forces are not enough. In this way, we would also bring this topic out of the shadows. Thank you for your support.
M. Mishustin: Andrey Anatolyevich, the plans are serious. I wish you success in their implementation.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A multi-billion-pound export deal of Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye – which could secure thousands of skilled UK jobs – is a significant step closer today, following the signing of an agreement that will also strengthen the UK-Türkiye partnership.
Defence Ministers of UK and Türkiye sign agreement in Istanbul, a major step towards the export of Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye.
Agreement strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and builds on years of defence cooperation and growing industrial ties between UK and Türkiye.
20,000 UK jobs are supported by Typhoon programme, with exports set to secure thousands of UK production line jobs, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.
Defence Secretary John Healey and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. Building on years of defence cooperation, they agreed that a future Typhoon exports deal would strengthen Türkiye’s advanced combat capabilities and help sustain the 20,000 UK jobs involved in the Typhoon programme here at home.
Negotiations on the potential deal with Türkiye will now continue over the coming weeks. It would be the first export order the UK has secured for Typhoon since 2017.
By securing thousands of jobs on UK production lines, the Government will be delivering on our Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for economic growth.
The UK’s production of Typhoon fighter jets is an engine for economic growth – supporting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of British people right across the UK.
Signing a multi-billion export deal with Türkiye will sustain and protect 20,000 UK jobs for future years to come – which is why my government is so dedicated to securing it. It will bolster our vital defence industry, deliver on our Plan for Change and keep us and our allies safer during these uncertain times.
Today’s agreement is a big step towards Türkiye buying UK Typhoon fighter jets. It shows this government’s determination to secure new defence deals, building on our relationships abroad to deliver for British working people.
Equipping Türkiye with Typhoons would strengthen NATO’s collective defence, and boost both our countries’ industrial bases by securing thousands of skilled jobs across the UK for years to come.
Last month’s Strategic Defence Review stressed the importance of exports, and now with our new defence exports office, we are developing defence’s role as an engine for economic growth as a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.”
It comes as the Defence Secretary John Healey makes the drive for new defence export deals a high priority.
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to take on responsibility for defence exports from 31st July, in a significant step of delivery for the Strategic Defence Review. The defence exports team will back British businesses on the global stage, drive potential exports and seek to enhance economic growth.
The latest statistics show UK defence exports were valued at £14.5 billion in just a 12-month period. Following the SDR’s direction, it moves responsibility for defence exports from the Department for Business and Trade, making the MOD the lead for securing deals for military equipment with our allies.
The Typhoon workshare agreement would see more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft would be produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. Final production at BAE Systems’ Warton site would include radars from Edinburgh and engines from Bristol, helping secure thousands of UK jobs.
This Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Türkiye and the UK underscores the importance of their long-standing defence co-operation through NATO and the critical role Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East.
The UK also continues to invest in its own world-class Typhoon fleet, which will remain the backbone of the UK’s air defence until at least the 2040s. The RAF’s existing Typhoons are being upgraded over the next 15 years, supporting skilled jobs across the UK.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KYIV, July 23 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Wednesday that a Mirage 2000 fighter jet donated to the country by France had crashed, marking the first known loss of the type of aircraft by Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force, in turn, stated on Telegram that the plane crash occurred due to equipment failure on Tuesday evening while performing a flight mission.
The pilot managed to eject and was found by a search and rescue team. His condition is assessed as stable. There are no casualties on the ground.
A special commission has been created to determine the causes of the accident.
The Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet. It is capable of carrying long-range Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles. Ukraine received its first batch of Mirage 2000 aircraft in February this year. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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